SALEM — Hundreds gathered at Shetland Office Park Saturday for the annual North Shore Pride Parade, which made its triumphant return after the event was canceled due to the pandemic in 2020 and 2021.
Pride flags and sings reading “love is love” could be seen as the parade navigated through Downtown Salem on a warm, sunny summer’s day. Cheers of “happy pride” rang out through the city as participants made their way to Salem Common for a festival featuring lives music, merchandise, and even LGBTQ activist Gigi Gill also known as “the official gay queen of Salem.”
“This has always been about the love and care of communities and young kids, because we aren’t going to be around forever. We have to lay the foundation for them to follow in our footsteps,” Gill said.
Gill said they were happy that Salem can celebrate its LGBTQ+ community without controversy.
I’ve been doing this now for 17 years, running for politics and keeping everyone in the city of Salem on their toes when it comes to LGBTQ discussion” Gill said.
Attendee Calvin Chestnut danced and cheered along with many others in the Common.
“It’s a hard time but a beautiful day. I want people to be happy today and celebrate the acceptance of being gay,” said Chestnut.
Tattoo artist Olivia Pakitsas took a break from dancing to reflect on the importance of celebrating pride.
“Pride right now is so important, especially after Friday’s overturning of Roe V. Wade. I want people to know it’s okay to be here at pride and it’s okay to be gay,” said Pakistas.
During the festival in Salem Common, a progressive pride flag that one of the event’s speakers dubbed the biggest in the city, was raised and could be seen fluttering in the summer breeze.
